Man Utd are reportedly ‘privately scathing’ at Sir Jim Ratcliffe as there is the feeling that he will not meet the Glazer family’s asking price.
The Red Devils have been up for sale since the end of November. The Glazer family released a statement to confirm that they were evaluating “strategic alternatives”.
“The strength of Manchester United rests on the passion and loyalty of our global community of 1.1 billion fans and followers,” the statement from the Glazers read.
“As we seek to continue building on the Club’s history of success, the Board has authorized a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives.
“We will evaluate all options to ensure that we best serve our fans and that Manchester United maximizes the significant growth opportunities available to the Club today and in the future.
“Throughout this process, we will remain fully focused on serving the best interests of our fans, shareholders, and various stakeholders.”
The Glazer family have come under fire in recent years as fans have called for them to modernise Old Trafford and the club’s training ground.
There was also fan outrage after it was revealed that United’s owners were involved in the proposed European Super League. This competition was quickly binned off following heavy criticism from supporters and members of the media.
The Glazers are looking for an escape route and Ratcliffe is interested in taking over. The British billionaire was among those in the race to purchase Chelsea last year but he is a lifelong United fan.
Earlier this week, reports coming out of Italy suggested that Ratcliffe’s takeover of Man Utd is ‘close’ to being finalised. It was indicated that talks are at an ‘advanced stage’.
This reports looks to be premature as The Daily Mail are now reporting that ‘Man Utd officials have been privately scathing about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to bid for the club’.
It is stated that they are ‘convinced’ that the Ineos chief has ‘no intention’ of meeting the Glazer family’s £6bn asking price.
Instead of buying the club, Man Utd believe that Ratcliffe’s ‘main concern is securing positive publicity’. The report notes that Ratcliffe met with Joel and Avram Glazer last year and as of now, ‘he is the only party to formally announce their interest in buying the club’.
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol predicted earlier this week that Man Utd will be sold “before the end of the season”.
“Sir Jim Ratcliffe has always made it clear he wants to buy a Premier League club,” Solhekol said.
“A few years ago he said Premier League clubs were overvalued, which is why he went and bought Nice for €100m. He said he wasn’t going to spend billions of pounds on a Premier League club, but his attitude has changed over the past few years.
“This time, as far as Manchester United are concerned, he’s the first person to show his hand. I think what we’ll see now is more people showing their hands and more people getting to look at the books. Then next month, we’ll start hearing about different bids that are being made.
“I think we can anticipate Manchester United changing hands before the end of the season if the club is sold 100 per cent.”
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